Marikana massacre: long wait for justice
TEN years after the butchering of 34 striking miners, who were put to death by the police force at the instruction of top politicians and mine bosses, there has not been justice for the slain miners’ children, widows and all their relatives.
The fate of the miners on August 16, 2012 came as a push-back by authorities against the miners who had downed tools demanding a mere basic salary of R12 500.
One can argue there was no politically influenced action on the part of ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa and that his emails suggested “concomitant action” was needed in order to deal with what he described as “criminal elements”.
However, many believe that the miners would not have met such brutality had he not circulated such words to the authorities.
Seeing the words “No justice, No apology, No accountability” written on the giant banner on the Marikana stage at this year’s commemoration, highlighted the fact that politicians, especially those directly involved in the massacre of the miners, are not willing to at least accept that they were responsible for the loss of lives.
The ruling party as the head of the government and the leader of society has failed to provide decisive leadership.
Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela died, appealing to Ramaphosa to visit the Marikana widows and apologise to the community and the country for the role he played in the massacre.
However, despite promising to go to the area, Ramaphosa has not kept his promises, and the Marikana people have not found closure.
Each year, the families that were robbed of their loved ones and breadwinners call for action against those involved in the slaying of their sons, fathers, uncles, brothers and husbands, but nothing has happened.
There has been very little effort on the part of the government to address what should not have happened in the first place.
The mere fact that Ramaphosa and his Cabinet have not visited the miners nor showed remorse speaks volumes about their lack of willingness to put the matter to rest.